Superior win for Göransson

Richard Göransson won the penultimate race of the STCC season 2006 today at Knutstorp. He won the race in style, 22 seconds ahead of his nearest rival. And rival indeed – Thed Björk took another podium finish after being let past by his team mate Ekblom in the final laps.

The race was in the hands of Göranssons from start to finish. He took the start easily and started to pull a gap directly. Behind him Kristoffersson, Björk and Ekblom followed each other closely. After only a couple of laps Kristoffersson let Björk past up in to second place. But the pitstop changed that order when Björk, as first driver, went in to the pits. The team had problems with getting on all bolts on a tyre and lost a couple of seconds. Björk lost a position to Ekblom due to this.

Behind the leading pack of Göransson, Björk, Kristoffersson and Ekblom the fight was hard. Flash, Engström, Dahlgren and Huisman fought hard for position on the track. As nearly all driver had pitted Göransson and Rudholm stayed out until the last part of the race.

Göransson got out on the track far ahead of the rest, Ekblom who then was in second place got had the entire main straight between him and Göransson after the pitstop. Instead eyes were aimed towards the fight for fourth place. Kristoffersson held the position but Huisman was gaining quickly behind him after the Dutchman, as usual, fought his way from eight on the start grid.

On the last couple of laps the fight got really furious between them. Huisman got up along side Kristoffersson who had none of it and pushed the BMW-driver almost off the track. Husiman was not pleased with the maneuvre which he showed after the race in the parc ferme.

While Huisman was dissapointed – Göransson was overjoyed with his win.

“This was one of the biggest gaps I have ever had down to second place. The race was good and I am very happy with mine and the team’s effort. But then we have that damn Thed Björk in second place as usual,” Göransson said with a smile after the race.

“Fantastic! The race was great and a big thanks to Ekblom who let me past. The goal is to take as much points as possible and we did that today. Every one in the team are working for this, so we are very happy today,” Björk said.

The championship is still alive thanks to Göransson’s win today. Björk has a lead of nine points ahead of Göransson. A win gives 10 points, so Göransson must win the coming race at Mantorp in two weeks if he is to stand a chance for the title.

“Yes, of course I’m looking to win at Mantorp. But I guess its almost 99%’s certain that Björk will win the championship title. Things have happened before in the final stages of STCC and we will do everything possible to fight for the title. But the last thing I want is to win the title because someone has taken Björk off the track,” Göransson said.

“As said, to continue taking points is the main goal for the final race. Things are looking very good, but we are focusing on continue things as usual at Mantorp,” Björk said.

Stay tuned for more pictures from the race!